A diamond is the world’s most enduring symbol of love. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or making an everyday moment sparkle, there are now more ways than ever to find the diamond that tells your unique story. Today, lab-grown diamonds and diamond alternatives are growing in popularity as more affordable options to natural diamonds.
Learn more about how lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds and explore some of the most popular diamond alternatives, so you can find the diamond option that’s right for you.
A diamond is the world’s most enduring symbol of love. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or making an everyday moment sparkle, there are now more ways than ever to find the diamond that tells your unique story. Today, lab-grown diamonds and diamond alternatives are growing in popularity as more affordable options to natural diamonds.
Learn more about how lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds and explore some of the most popular diamond alternatives, so you can find the diamond option that’s right for you.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds: Core Differences Between Natural vs. Lab-Grown?
Lab-grown diamonds (also referred to as engineered, man-made, or lab-created diamonds) possess the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as a natural diamond. Natural vs. lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. What sets them apart, however, are their origin and the time they took to form.
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep below the earth’s surface, under extreme pressure and high temperature. They rise and become accessible by volcanic eruption.
Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a lab within weeks or months, using specialized technology that mimics the extreme heat and pressure of a natural diamond’s growing environment.
Comparing Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Find out how natural diamonds vs. lab-grown diamonds compare, so you can decide which option is right for you.
KAY Diamond Comparison | Natural Diamonds | Lab-Grown Diamonds |
---|---|---|
Is it a Diamond? | Yes | Yes |
Primary Chemical Comp | Carbon | Carbon |
Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
Time to Create | 1 to 3 Billion Years | Several Weeks to Months |
Supply/Rarity | Finite and Rare | Potentially Unlimited |
Independently Certified | Yes* | Yes* |
100% Conflict-Free | Yes | Yes |
KAY Responsible Sourcing Commitment | Yes | Yes |
Included in the Lifetime Diamond Commitment | Yes | Yes |
Eligible for Trade-In | Yes | Yes |
Price Comparison (of comparable quality and size) | $$$ | $$ |
Shop KAY with Confidence
Whether natural or lab-created, all of our diamonds are 100% conflict-free. Each is transformed by our experts, who map, cut, and polish the diamond from its rough form to bring to life the precious stone’s unique sparkle, fire, and brilliance.
Exploring Diamond Alternatives
While diamond alternatives (also known as diamond simulants) are made to look like the real deal, they have very different chemical and physical properties. As their name implies, simulant diamonds merely imitate the appearance of a diamond, and generally do not possess the same level of brilliance or durability as natural or lab-created diamonds. However, diamond alternatives are an excellent budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
From how they’re made to quality and value, get answers to your most frequently asked questions about lab-grown diamonds here.
Diamond Education from the Experts
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Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds come in a variety of classic and modern shapes and cuts. Explore our options to find a diamond that fits your style -
The Four Cs of A Diamond
Understanding the cut, clarity, color and carat of a diamond can help you choose the one that suits your lifestyle and budget. -
Lab-Grown Gemstones
Learn more about lab-grown gemstone jewelry and explore KAY Outlet's stunning selection, so you can find the perfect gift.